Honda Warning Lights and Meanings

Complete guide to Honda dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.

Understanding Honda Dashboard Warning Lights

Honda vehicles are equipped with an advanced diagnostic system that monitors various components and systems. When an issue is detected, a corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.

These warning lights are color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue:

Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.
Amber/Yellow: Suggests a less urgent problem that should be checked soon, but doesn't require immediate action.
Green: Usually informational, indicating that a system is active or functioning normally.
Blue: Usually informational, indicating features like high beam headlights or coolant temperature.
White: Usually informational, indicating that certain systems or features are currently active.

Below you'll find a comprehensive list of warning lights that may appear on your Honda vehicle's dashboard.

Honda Warning Light Categories

Critical Warning Lights

These red warning lights indicate serious issues that require immediate attention.

Service Warning Lights

These amber/yellow lights suggest issues that need attention soon but aren't immediately critical.

Information Indicators (Green)

These green lights simply inform you that certain systems are active.

Information Indicators (Blue)

These blue lights indicate that certain features or systems are enabled.

Information Indicators (White)

These white lights provide status information about various vehicle systems.

Critical Warning Lights

Charging System Indicator

Comes on when there is a problem with the charging system. Stop in a safe place and contact a dealer immediately.

Door and Tailgate Open Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds if you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if any door or the tailgate is not completely closed. Also, the beeper sounds if any door or the tailgate is opened while driving. The indicator goes off when all doors and the tailgate are closed.

Electric Parking Brake Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off if the parking brake has been released. Comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off when it is released. Comes on for about 15 seconds when you pull the electric parking brake switch while the ignition switch is in LOCK. Stays on for about 15 seconds when you turn the ignition switch to LOCK while the electric parking brake is set. Blinks – There is a problem with the electric parking brake system. The parking brake may not be set.

Electric Parking Brake Indicator

Electric Power Steering System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the EPS system. Action to be taken: ● Stop the vehicle in a safe place and restart the engine. If the indicator comes on and stays on, immediately have your vehicle inspected by a dealer. ● If “Do not drive” displays on the driver information interface, immediately stop in a safe place and contact a dealer.

High Temperature Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Blinks when the engine coolant temperature goes up and stays on if the temperature continues to rise. Action to be taken: ● Blinks while driving – Drive slowly to prevent overheating. ● Stays on while driving – Immediately stop in a safe place and allow the engine to cool.

Immobilizer System Indicator

Blinks if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information. You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF, then select the ON mode again. Repeatedly blinks – The system may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Comes on when you set the power mode to ON, and goes off when the engine starts. Comes on when the engine oil pressure is low. Comes on while driving – Immediately stop in a safe place.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Comes on when the parking brake is applied and goes off when it is released. Comes on when the brake fluid level is low. Make sure the parking brake is released. Stop in a safe place and check the brake fluid level. Comes on if there is a problem with the brake system.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Indicator

Blinks and the beeper sounds for a few seconds if you and/or any passenger are not wearing a seat belt when you set the power mode to ON, then the indicator comes on. Blinks while driving if you and/or any passenger have not fastened a seat belt. The beeper sounds and the indicator blinks at regular intervals. The beeper stops and the indicator goes off when you and the passengers fasten your seat belts. Stays on after you and/or the passengers have fastened the seat belt(s) – A detection error may have occurred in the sensor. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Security System Alarm Indicator

Blinks when the security system alarm has been set.

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Comes on if a problem with any of the following is detected: ● Supplemental Restraint System ● Side airbag system ● Side curtain airbag system ● Seat belt tensioner Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Service Warning Lights

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with ACC with Low-Speed Follow. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the ACC with Low-Speed Follow is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then reconnected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. ACC with Low-Speed Follow has been automatically canceled. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

All-Wheel Drive Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the AWD system. The engine drives the front wheels only in this state. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Blinks when the differential temperature is too high. Stop in a safe place, change to “P”, and idle the engine until the indicator goes off. If the indicator does not stop blinking, take your vehicle to a dealer.

Anti-Lock Brake System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the ABS. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock function.

Auto Idle Stop OFF Indicator

Comes on when the Auto Idle Stop system has been turned off by the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

Auto Idle Stop System Indicator

Blinks if there is a problem with the Auto Idle Stop system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Bed Lights On Indicator

Comes on when the bed lights are on. Comes on for 30 minutes when you set the power mode to ACCESSORY or VEHICLE OFF without turning off the bed lights, then goes off.

Blind Spot Information System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Stays on while the blind spot information system is turned off. Comes on when mud, snow, or ice accumulates in the vicinity of sensors. Remove the obstacle in the vicinity of the sensors. Comes on if there is a problem with the system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Brake Depressing Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Electric Parking Brake System: Comes on when the electric parking brake switch is pressed without depressing the brake pedal while the electric parking brake is in operation. Press the electric parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed. Automatic Brake Hold System: Comes on when the automatic brake hold button is pressed without depressing the brake pedal while the automatic brake hold is in operation. Press the automatic brake hold button with the brake pedal depressed. The indicator blinks if the automatic brake hold is automatically canceled while it is in operation. The beeper sounds.

Collision Mitigation Braking System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on when you deactivate the CMBS. A driver information interface message appears for five seconds. Comes on if there is a problem with the CMBS. In case the light stays on constantly without the CMBS off – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the CMBS is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the CMBS shuts itself off: ● The area around the camera and radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you cleaned the camera and sensor. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. ● Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. ● Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Electric Parking Brake System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the electric parking brake system. Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Hydrogen Leak Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on if a small hydrogen gas leak is detected. Your vehicle has less ability to accelerate and may be harder to start on an incline. Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Clarity Fuel Cell dealer immediately. Comes on if a hydrogen gas leak is detected. Generating electricity by the fuel cell is stopped. Immediately stop in a safe place and have your vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Clarity Fuel Cell dealer.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the LKAS. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

Comes on when the fuel reserve is running low (approximately 1.8 U.S. gal/7.0 Liter left). Refuel your vehicle as soon as possible. Blinks if there is a problem with the fuel gauge. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Low Fuel Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is running low on fuel (3 or 2 fuel gauge bars illuminated). Refuel your vehicle as soon as possible.

Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator

May come on briefly if the power mode is set to ON and the vehicle is not moved within 45 seconds, to indicate the calibration process is not yet complete. Comes on and stays on when: ● One or more tires’ pressures are determined to be significantly low. ● The system has not been calibrated. Action to be taken: ● Comes on while driving – Stop in a safe place, check tire pressures, and inflate the tire(s) if necessary. ● Stays on after the tires are inflated to the recommended pressures – The system needs to be calibrated. Blinks for about one minute, and then stays on if there is a problem with the TPMS, or when a compact spare tire is temporarily installed. Action to be taken: Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. If the vehicle is fitted with a compact spare tire, get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can. Comes on if the TPMS is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Maintenance Minder Indicator

Comes on when the scheduled maintenance is due soon.

Maintenance Required Light

Comes on to remind you that it is time to take your car in for scheduled maintenance.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

After you have set the power mode to ON, the vehicle performs system checks. However, if the readiness codes have not been set by that time, this indicator will blink five times and then go off. The indicator comes on if there is a problem with the emissions control systems. The indicator blinks when a misfire in the engine’s cylinders is detected.

Master Warning Light

This warning light serves as an icon for your Honda vehicle’s Vehicle Stability Assist system and indicates that there is something wrong with the system itself.

Power System Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the electric vehicle system. Comes on when the High Voltage battery temperature becomes high. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

There is a problem with a system related to braking other than the conventional brake system: Comes on while driving – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability. There is a problem with the electric parking brake system and/or the automatic brake hold system: Stays on constantly – Avoid using the parking brake and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

Road Departure Mitigation Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if there is a problem with the RDM system. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the RDM is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the RDM system shuts itself off. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. ● The area around the radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. ● The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Sport Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to SPORT.

Safety Support Indicator

Comes on if there is a problem with the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, or blind spot information system. In case the indicator stays on constantly, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. The indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit. Comes on if the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, and Low-Speed Braking Control are deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected and then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on when the Road Departure Mitigation system and/or CMBS shuts itself off. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. ● The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place and wipe the debris off with a soft cloth. ● It may come on when the ambient conditions are dark, such as when driving in a tunnel, or at night, dawn, or dusk.

Smart Entry System Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on as soon as a problem is detected in the smart entry system or push button starting system. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

System Message Indicator

Comes on along with a beep when a problem is detected. A system message on the driver information interface appears at the same time.

Transmission Light

Comes on if the transmission system has a problem. Performance may be reduced. Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.

Vehicle Stability Assist OFF Indicator

Comes on when you partially disable VSA. Models without Auto Idle Stop: Comes on when you press and hold the (VSA OFF) button while +R mode is selected. Models with A-type meter: Comes on if the VSA® system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Vehicle Stability Assist System Indicator

Blinks when VSA is active. Comes on if there is a problem with the VSA system, brake assist system, hill start assist system, starting assist brake function, or agile handling assist. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the VSA system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer.

Vehicle Stability Assist System Indicator

Information Indicators (Green)

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up in green when you press the RES/+/SET/- switch up or down.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up in green when you press the RES/+/SET/- switch up or down.

Auto High-Beam Indicator

Comes on when all the operating conditions of the auto high-beam are met.

Auto Idle Stop Indicator

Comes on when Auto Idle Stop is in operation. The engine automatically shuts off.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold is activated.

Automatic Brake Hold Indicator

Comes on when the automatic brake hold system is on.

Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on if you have set a speed for cruise control.

Cruise Main Indicator

Comes on when you press the CRUISE button.

Cruise Mode Indicator

Lights up in green when you have set a speed for cruise control.

Econ Mode Indicator

Models without a drive mode switch: Comes on when the ECON mode is on. Models with a drive mode switch: Comes on when you set the drive mode to ECON.

Econ Mode Indicator

Models without a drive mode switch: Comes on when the ECON mode is on. Models with a drive mode switch: Comes on when you set the drive mode to ECON.

EV Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is moved by the motor, and the engine is not operating.

EV Mode Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is in EV mode.

Fog Light Indicator

Comes on when the fog lights are on.

HV Charge Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes along with the HV indicator when the vehicle is in HV charge.

HV Indicator

Comes on for a few seconds when you set the power mode to ON, then goes off. Comes on when the vehicle is in HV. Comes on when the vehicle is in HV charge.

Immobilizer System Indicator

Comes on briefly when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on if the immobilizer system cannot recognize the key information. Blinks Models without smart entry system: You cannot start the engine. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK, pull the key out, and then insert the key and turn it to ON again. Models with smart entry system: You cannot start the engine. Set the power mode to VEHICLE OFF (LOCK), then select the ON mode again. Repeatedly blinks – The system may be malfunctioning. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems can occur.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Lights up in green when the LKAS is in operation.

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Lights up in green when the LKAS is in operation.

Lights On Indicator

Comes on when the light switch is in a position other than OFF or when the switch is set to AUTO and the exterior lights come on. If you remove the key from the ignition switch while the exterior lights are on, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened.

Ready Indicator

Comes on when the vehicle is ready to drive.

Safety Support Indicator

Lights up in green when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and blind spot information system are on. Lights up in green and gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, blind spot information system or any two or three of these systems are off.

Shift Down Indicator

Comes on when shifting down is recommended.

Shift Up Indicator

Comes on when shifting up is recommended.

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicator

Blinks when you operate the turn signal lever. Blinks along with all turn signals when you press the hazard warning button.

Information Indicators (Blue)

High Beam Indicator

Comes on when the high beam headlights are on.

Low Temperature Indicator

Comes on while the engine coolant temperature is low, then goes off once the engine reaches normal operating temperature. If the indicator stays on after the engine has reached normal operating temperature, there may be a problem with the temperature sensors. Have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Information Indicators (White)

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Comes on when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow indicator comes on.

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

Lights up in white when you press the ACC button.

Auto Idle Stop Suspend Indicator

Comes on while Auto Idle Stop is temporarily suspended in the following situations. Continuously variable transmission models: Brake pedal is not fully pressed. Depress the brake pedal firmly. Continuously variable transmission models: ● The transmission is in a position other than D ● System charging is prioritized ● Climate control system is prioritized ● Engine coolant temperature is not in the operating range ● SPORT mode* is selected. ● The battery temperature is too low. ● Auto Idle Stop does not activate for some reason.

Comfort Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to COMFORT

Cruise Mode Indicator

Lights up in white when you change to cruise mode

Deceleration Paddle Selector Indicator

Comes on when the selector is pulled. Blinks when the rate of deceleration does not change while pulling the selector. Comes on with M when SPORT mode is selected and pulling the selector.

Deceleration Paddle Selector Indicator

Comes on when the selector is pulled. Blinks when the rate of deceleration does not change while pulling the selector. Comes on with M when SPORT mode is selected and pulling the selector.

Gear Position Indicator

Indicates 1st to 6th gear position. If you shift gears very slowly, a different gear position may be displayed for a moment. The display can be turned ON/OFF in customized features in the driver information interface or audio/information screen. Under the following conditions, gear positions and frame borders are not displayed. ● The select lever is in the “R” position. ● The display of the gear position indicator is turned OFF in customized features. Under the following conditions, gear positions are not displayed. ● The vehicle is stopped (approximately less than 2 mph or 3 km/h) ● The select lever is in the “N” position.

Gear Selection Indicator

Comes on when the sequential mode/7-speed manual shift mode is applied.

Individual Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to INDIVIDUAL

Lane Keeping Assist System Indicator

Lights up in white when you press the LKAS button.

Mud Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Mud: Use when driving on muddy roads or off-road surfaces.

Mud Mode Indicator

Normal Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Normal: Provides balanced driving performance on most road surfaces.

+R Mode Indicator

Comes on when you set the drive mode to +R.

Safety Support Indicator

Lights up in green and gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, blind spot information system or any two or three of these systems are off. Lights up in gray when the Road Departure Mitigation system, CMBS, Low-Speed Braking Control, and blind spot information system are off.

Sand Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Sand: Use when driving on soft, sandy roads or off-road surfaces.

Sand Mode Indicator

Comes on when pressing the Intelligent Traction Management button. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface. When the vehicle is turned off and restarted, Intelligent Traction Management mode will revert to Normal. Sand: Use when driving on soft, sandy roads or off-road surfaces.

Shift Position Indicator

Indicates the current shift position.

Snow Mode Indicator

Transmission System Indicator

● The current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem. Avoid sudden starts and acceleration and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately ● The indicated current shift position blinks if you cannot put the transmission into “R” due to a transmission system failure. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. ● The indicated current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the performance of the vehicle is reduced. Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and high speed, and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. ● The indicated current shift position blinks if the transmission system has a problem and the paddle shifters cannot be used. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately. ● The current shift position or all the shift positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and the vehicle is no longer able to run. Immediately park your car in a safe place and have your vehicle checked by a dealer. ● The current shift position or all the shift positions blink if there is a problem with the transmission and it is not possible to select “P”. Depending on the circumstances, you can set the power mode to ON as an emergency measure. While the vehicle is stopped, apply the parking brake. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.